Children's Right to Education in Armed Conflict with Emphasis on Security Council Resolution 2601
From the beginning of history to the present day, the world has witnessed numerous international and domestic wars. Tragically, war has consistently been one of the greatest disasters affecting children, who are often its primary victims. In all conflicts, civilians endure suffering even greater than that experienced by military personnel. Due to their vulnerable physiological condition and limited ability to defend themselves, children are disproportionately targeted in conflicts. They face violence, violations of their rights and freedoms, and make up a significant portion of refugees and displaced persons.
The phenomenon of war severely violates children's rights, including their right to life, family unity, health, education, and personal development. Defenseless children are killed, abused, lose their homes and families, and suffer from profound mental health issues stemming from a lack of education and healthcare. These children, who require the most support against violence, sexual abuse, malnutrition, and recruitment into armed conflicts, are often overlooked during times of crisis and are exploited by military forces in an environment of impunity.
Among children's rights, the right to education is one that has received insufficient attention despite its fundamental importance. Education serves as a gateway for realizing other rights. Governments have an obligation to respect, guarantee, and effectively implement this right. Numerous international documents underscore this commitment. For instance, Article 55 of the United Nations Charter emphasizes cooperation in cultural fields and the promotion of universal respect for human rights without discrimination.
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to benefit from education," asserting that education should be free at least at the elementary level. Similarly, Article 13(2)(a) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights reinforces the necessity of free primary education. Furthermore, Article 18(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights affirms: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion," encompassing the freedom to practice one's beliefs individually or collectively.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child—ratified by more member states than any other human rights treaty—further stipulates that countries must make higher education accessible to all. The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015 highlighted education's crucial role in achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.
Children's right to education is vital for individual development and the future prosperity of the international community. It plays an essential role in creating informed societies and driving sustainable development. However, during armed conflicts worldwide, warring parties frequently disregard one of the most fundamental rules: protecting children's rights. The protracted nature of contemporary conflicts has adversely affected generations of children. Without access to education, a generation of war-affected children may grow up lacking essential skills needed to contribute positively to their governments and economies—creating dire circumstances for millions.
Supporting children's right to education in conflict zones requires robust educational initiatives. Since 1999, the United Nations Security Council has addressed children's situations in armed conflicts through various resolutions emphasizing special protection for children during such crises while maintaining international peace and security. Over the past 25 years, as conflicts have become more complex and prolonged worldwide, violations of children's rights have surged.
The escalation of attacks on schools and civilians has drawn increased attention to educational issues during wartime within both the Security Council and broader United Nations frameworks. Resolution 2601 highlighted education's invaluable role for individuals and society as a safe haven during conflict. It prioritized providing protection for educational continuity in armed conflicts as a key responsibility for the international community.
An important question arises: What impact does Security Council Resolution 2601 have on government actions supporting children's right to education during international armed conflicts? This resolution underscores education's critical role as a pathway toward achieving international peace and security. However, measuring its positive effects on governmental practices remains challenging.